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It's Fun to Play the Piano ... Please Pass It On!
While taking my usual morning stroll to Dunkin Donuts for a cup of their very tasty coffee (better & way cheaper than Starbucks in my not-so-humble opinion) I went past the Piano Bar and heard some noises coming from inside, and since the door was open I sauntered in and saw the owner and his wife decorating for the Holidays.
This is a rare sight since they aren't there that often, spending most of their time way up north somewhere special. He was dressed in a bright red outfit (including matching hat) and his long white hair and beard were in disarray from his stenuous exertions.
The sweet smell of cookies baking wafted on the air from the kitchen in the rear as they both smiled at me in greeting, and the owner said to me "Hey TJ, how about playing us a warm little tune on that old piano over there in the corner to help get us in the spirit for our extensive delivery tasks ahead."
I wasn't sure exactly what he meant by "delivery tasks", but I went over and started to play and I heard him say something that sounded like "Ho Ho Ho, that's a fine old chestnut of a tune that should do the trick" and I think I caught him out of the corner of my eye sampling the latest batch of cookies (chocolate chip, I think) just out of the oven while sipping on some cold, fresh milk from a raindeer shaped glass...
Here's what I played (I was saving this for Hunky's annual Holiday Music thread, but thought it would be a good tune to open the December Piano Bar with - although I may still post it there too in a brazen act of shameless self-promotion)
Thanks to all for your kind comments so far...'tis the season to be generous and forgiving...
Originally Posted by Inlanding
...I hope all the passers-by filled your tip jar!
Glen
They would've but they couldn't - the owner had filled it with milk - his strange idea of an "adult beverage"...
Originally Posted by Peyton
...but I really want to see the video.....
Which one - me playing or the Piano Bar owner snacking?
Originally Posted by CMohr
One of my top two favorites.
Mine too - What's your other one? - and where'd you get that spitting image of the Piano Bar owner?
Originally Posted by JimF
...Sure sounds like a Dan Coates arrangement, was it?
Very astute observation Jim - it's from his "Complete Christmas Music Collection" - an excellent and highly recommended intermediate level holiday songbook - I added the intro, the repeat of the Bridge/3rd Verse and the arpeggio at the very end.
TJ
Last edited by TrapperJohn; 11/30/1104:53 PM.
Every difficulty slurred over will be a ghost to disturb your repose later on. Frederic Chopin
Current favorite bumper sticker: Wag more, bark less.
Oh, no!!! I haven't finished listening to the recital yet and now the bar is open I'm going to be way behind on all this, my computer is dying and I'm spending most of my time transferring files. First song at the bar was lovely and I'll be trying to listen to more as I woosh the flash drive back and forth across the room between computers.
I'll figure it out eventually. Until then you may want to keep a safe distance.
I wrote a new blues tune entitled "There ain't no need to have the blues all the time", but I haven't recorded it yet... I suppose you might say it is a sequel to my last blues tune, "I've had the blues for so long".
Of course, it is time for some Christmas specials and yours was great!
Rick
Piano enthusiast and amateur musician: "Treat others the way you would like to be treated". Yamaha C7. YouTube Channel
TrapperJohn - love the arrangement and your poignant and sensitive performance - I think you got the tempo on this just right. You captured the sentimentality of this classic piece nicely. I hope you also put this in the Holiday thread so it doesn't get lost.
Hey, TJ - My other top two Christmas song is "I'll Be Home For Christmas". I've yet to find a decent arrangement to learn. (Of course, I suppose I could do my own...). I thought the December Piano Bar owner was Santa.
I put this piece up last year, but here is a slightly better version I still play it a little to fast in areas, and it's not as smooth as I would like it to be. However; it is much better then my previous version of this piece:P So enjoy! Here is my favorite song by David Nevue^_^
Greensleves
All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them. Walt Disney
Hey, TJ - My other top two Christmas song is "I'll Be Home For Christmas". I've yet to find a decent arrangement to learn. (Of course, I suppose I could do my own...). I thought the December Piano Bar owner was Santa.
I like "I'll Be Home..." a lot too - and also Karen Carpenter's "Merry Chistmas, Darling" - there's what appears to be a nice arrangement of "Home" in the Dan Coates songbook I use & mentioned above - the key aspect of these great songs, I think, is that they have just about a perfect balance between nostalgic longing for Christmases past and hopeful anticipation of Christmases to come in their lyrics - coupled, of course, with very compelling melodies...
The Piano Bar owner is Santa?!? Wow - how clueless can I be? That would explain all those elfey little guys running around helping him decorate and the sleigh and 8 reindeer parked out back...
Originally Posted by BillM
TrapperJohn ...I hope you also put this in the Holiday thread so it doesn't get lost.
Well, that settles it then - I wasn't sure about doing this, but you pushed me over the edge, you silver-tongued rascal...
Trap
Last edited by TrapperJohn; 12/01/1110:26 AM.
Every difficulty slurred over will be a ghost to disturb your repose later on. Frederic Chopin
Current favorite bumper sticker: Wag more, bark less.
Augustina - Perfect for the Dec. PianoBar. A perennial favorite and nicely presented, too! Lovely slide show - did you take the photos?
Jazzwee - Good one! Really great comping and very nice solo for a first time through! The recording is much clearer than some others from your gigs. The piano wasn't overpowered by the others. I really enjoyed this one!
Jazzwee, That was great, especially since you had just eyeballed the music for the first time. Oddly enough this song is kind of a favorite of mine. Anybody really know what "schefiefer" <sp?> is (on the side or otherwise)?
Augustina, I liked it and remember the prior recording. Nicely done.
Liebestraum 3, Liszt Standchen-Schubert/Liszt arr Sonata Pathetique-Adagio LVB Estonia L190 #7284
Augustina ~ Very nice multimedia performance. I enjoy your playing of this tune.
Jazzwee ~ good work on comping and a very nice, simple, solo when it was your time to chime in. For not having seen the tune before, you did great. Would not have been able to tell that was the case had you not mentioned it.
Here are a couple of short tunes. I've not been playing regularly at all, and just starting to get back and just dipping my toe in the water.
Solitude - knew I was going to like it before you played the first note - its another of my favorites - and you always play these standards well. I'm assuming the latter part was improvisation - it got me tapping my foot and singing along.
'tis Autumn - Not familiar with this one but liked it a lot.
Liebestraum 3, Liszt Standchen-Schubert/Liszt arr Sonata Pathetique-Adagio LVB Estonia L190 #7284
Glen - Two for the price of one! I love "Solitude". You brought back some good memories for me, my Mom used to play this all the time. Thanks! And "Tis Autumn" was pretty darn tasty, too!
Augustina - A very touching performance of a great Christmas song. I really enjoyed the photos - you have a good eye as well as a good ear. And yes, I did enjoy it!
Inlanding - I always love listening to you play the piano. You set a mellow mood and take the listener to a comfortable and blissful place. I would describe your playing on these two tracks as elegant.
jazzwee - Is that you singing?? This sounds very cool. What a tight sounding group you have.
LOL. No Bill, I am a man. This is just a jam session so random people are put in a group. I've never played with some of the people here and not the singer either.
So they put the sheet music in front of your face and then counts "1..2..1234...". LOL. That's about all the time you have to figure it out. I've never played the song before.
The fact it comes out semi-clean is always a pleasant surprise.
JimF ~ Thank you for your kind words. I am glad you got your foot tapping towards the end. Once I get back fully, it will be easier to start a tune with a swing, rather than just work up to it. 'tis Autumn was written by Henry Nemo and made popular by Nat King Cole (one of my favorite pianists, by the way).
CMohr ~ So glad Solitude brought back fond memories for you. Thank you! Duke Ellington wrote so many great pieces of music, it's always fun to play them.
BillM ~ I very much appreciate your feedback. The intention for those tunes was to be relaxing and I am so glad you found them to be that way. The biggest item...correct changes in time. Once I can actually practice, my main goal will be to work on time. I go in and out of making correct changes in time far too often.
but what exactly is Frim Fram sauce (or shouldn't I ask)?
Here's wiki's take - no idea of its accuracy re frim fram and shifafa, etc
"The Frim Fram Sauce" is a jazz song, made famous by The Nat King Cole Trio and performed by a variety of musicians over the years. "The Frim Fram Sauce" was written in 1945. The lyrics were written by Redd Evans, who wrote words to a number of Cole songs. The music was composed by Joe Ricardel, known as the co-writer of the "Brooklyn Dodger Jump", among others.
"The Frim Fram Sauce" is best remembered for its silly lyrics. The narrator speaks to a waiter in a restaurant, as if in the process of ordering food. Throughout the song, the customer lists numerous real foods that he doesn't want, such as pork chops and fish cakes. In the chorus, he explains what he really wants: some "frim fram sauce" with the "oss and fay" and "shifafa" on the side. None of these foods exist, so at the end he gives up and says: "If you don't have it, just bring me a check for the water!"
Although considered a novelty song, "The Frim Fram Sauce" has nonetheless endured as a memorable tune of its era. It has been performed by numerous artists including Ella Fitzgerald (with Louis Armstrong), Slim and Slam (Slim Gaillard and Slam Stewart), Les Brown, King Crimson, John Pizzarelli, Diana Krall, who both included the song in her 1993 debut album Stepping Out as well as in her 1996 Nat King Cole tribute album, All For You, and Mandy Mann (2005). American blues guitarist Bob Brozman also included a version of the song, with somewhat revised lyrics on his 2007 album, "Post-Industrial Blues".
The song was also performed on the American Idol TV show in 2002 by Ryan Starr.
Liebestraum 3, Liszt Standchen-Schubert/Liszt arr Sonata Pathetique-Adagio LVB Estonia L190 #7284
Thanks Jim - that's all a relief - I was thinking it might be something a tad unsavory (a euphemism from those dens of iniquity known as jazz clubs in the old days), but that's just how my mind works (when it works)
Trap
Every difficulty slurred over will be a ghost to disturb your repose later on. Frederic Chopin
Current favorite bumper sticker: Wag more, bark less.
Thanks Jim - that's all a relief - I was thinking it might be something a tad unsavory (a euphemism from those dens of iniquity known as jazz clubs in the old days), but that's just how my mind works (when it works)
Trap
LOL Trap, you must have a dirty mind or something Now understand, I only saw the song seconds before I played it so I neither knew the title nor the lyrics. But I vaguely recalled Diana Krall singing this after we got started.
So I appreciate JimF doing the research since now I learned something too. Next time this song comes up, I'll be an expert on it.
Happy Belated Thanksgiving, everyone!! Here are a couple of short tunes. I've not been playing regularly at all, and just starting to get back and just dipping my toe in the water.
Beautiful playing Glen. I especially love it when you're playing slow because I just love the tone you extract from that piano. You know I'm a big fan of your touch.
I don't know either of these tunes so thanks for the introduction.
Jazzwee ~ Thanks for the kudos! I am so glad you pick up on touch. My past teacher constantly had me focused on playing the music more than playing the notes - it's always a work in-progress. As you know, for me the biggest achilles heel is making correct changes in time. Solitude is one of Duke Ellington's. Henry Nemo wrote 'tis Autumn. The Miscellany folder in my signature has a number of improvisations where I am experimenting with touch/dynamics and correct changes in time. Slowly, very slowly, but surely that aspect's improved. I have a few play along CDs, but don't have the stamina yet to work on utilizing them for pratice.
Bill ~ That was a beautiful ballad. I'd not heard it in a long time. Your accompaniment is perfectly tied to your solo and you express the lyrics so well. You are such a fine talent!
I have been away as I have been concentrating on guitar and schoolwork. Everything I listened to was great but I was simply amazed by frim-fram. That it was an open jam was simply amazing, almost perfectly recorded except the vocal could have been more up front at times.
And now for something completely different. Here is a video that I put together which is part of an Honors Speech at City College. I hope to be presenting at the Berkeley Honors Symposium in the spring, They say I have an excellent chance of being accepted at Stanford. UC Berkeley is supposedly "a lock." The video is on FDR's I welcome their hatred speech. I have patched together a piano soundtrack.
http://www.youtube.com/hnicoleanderson Yamaha CP-33 Stage Piano Manuel Rodriguez Flamenco Guitar Les Paul Custom Deluxe Fender Deluxe Strat Sonar X Producer
I hear some wonderful music coming from the bar this month! TJ: Always good to hear Christmas music - very nice Dan Coats arrangement. Still catching up...
Bill the Balladeer: One of my very favorite oldies again - You're always right in tune.. Lovely playing and singing.
Glen: Solitude was terrific - beautiful chords and arrangement.
Augustina: Very pretty playing with Greensleeves - nice Nevue arrangement.
BTW, Is anyone else having trouble with YouTube? The videos keep "freezing up" when I try to watch them, today worse than ever. My computer's been giving me grief lately, too, so that may be part of the problem.
Well, here's another golden oldie. Hope you enjoy..
Everything I listened to was great but I was simply amazed by frim-fram.
Nicole, thanks for the kudos. It's good you didn't notice all the mistakes
Your 'Hey Joe' was really fantastic to listen to. I play guitar too and way back when I would have really liked to learn to play this the Hendrix way. But, alas, no more time nowadays. I hardly touch the guitar now.
I have always loved "Have yourself a merry Little Christmas" and your tender and whimsical performance moved me. Did you arrange the piece yourself? If not, can you please tell me where I may be able to obtain the sheet music? I've always wanted to play the piece but could not find an arrangement I liked. Yours is the one I absolutely love.
I enjoyed hearing John's recording of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. I've set a goal of learning that tune plus I'll Be Home For Christmas from the Dan Coates book between now and Christmas Eve. Also a slightly jazzier version of Greensleeves if I can manage it.
My wife and I are getting a new grand piano for Christmas and I want to inaugurate it with a couple of well-loved Christmas songs while the extended family is spending the evening with us...then I'll turn it over to my sister and her kids who are the real piano players in the family...and they can even sing, too!
P.S. Note to Choo, get the Dan Coates book Simply Christmas if you don't already have it. Very approachable and well worked-out arrangements.
Last edited by Brent H; 12/05/1104:03 PM.
Current Life+Music Philosophy: Less Thinking, More Foot Tapping
I have always loved "Have yourself a merry Little Christmas" and your tender and whimsical performance moved me. Did you arrange the piece yourself? If not, can you please tell me where I may be able to obtain the sheet music? I've always wanted to play the piece but could not find an arrangement I liked. Yours is the one I absolutely love.
Thank you for sharing with all of us!
Choo
Choo - thank you very much for the kind words = I'm glad you enjoyed it.
The arrangement is not mine (I wish!) but is from a songbook called "Complete Christmas Music Collection" by pianist/arranger Dan Coates, famous for his prolific and creative arrangements for all levels of play.
I play it as he has arranged it except for my following additions: (1) using the ending phrase ("...and have yourself a merry little Christmas now.") as an introduction; (2) repeating the Bridge and the 3rd Verse, part of which I do at 8va, i.e., up an octave; and (3) the arpeggio up the keyboard at the very end, which is simply the individual notes of the C Major chord played across several octaves.
It's a beautiful arrangement by Dan (as are so many of his others) and I know you'll love learning it - good luck & have fun!
I thought yours sounded just like when I play Have Yourself... except for the part repeated an octave up. That plus the fact yours sounds good and mine doesn't (yet! ). I'll have to remember that octave-up part you do, it's absolutely perfect for this song.
Last edited by Brent H; 12/05/1104:41 PM.
Current Life+Music Philosophy: Less Thinking, More Foot Tapping
Well here's something different from me. It's a song from the anime Fairy Tail. I won't bother with the name of the song since it's Japanese :P But it's kind of cool. Was fun to play! Was a bit tiring too.. Hope u enjoy
I am currently uploading all of my written piano sheets onto my blog to make things easier. I also have written out a few more sheets. All free check it out if you want Any questions, PM me
I thought yours sounded just like when I play Have Yourself... except for the part repeated an octave up. That plus the fact yours sounds good and mine doesn't (yet! ). I'll have to remember that octave-up part you do, it's absolutely perfect for this song.
Brent - the things I did to enhance "Have Yourself..." are all traditional and frequently used techniques for enhancing a song's performance, and can be used quite often with many songs - "intros" are typically derived from the ending phrase or a shortened, modified version thereof - and repeating a portion of a song from the bridge (sometimes called the chorus) thru the last verse is very popular with vocal versions, and since piano solos should "sing" it's probably a good idea to always be playing a song like, or in the style of, your favorite vocal rendition (which should be running thru your mind as you play) - octave up almost always adds interest, contrast and variety.
Sure wish I was getting a grand piano for Christmas! I guess you have to be a very good boy to get one of those, so my chances are mighty slim...
Thanks for your nice comments,
Trap
Every difficulty slurred over will be a ghost to disturb your repose later on. Frederic Chopin
Current favorite bumper sticker: Wag more, bark less.
I'm skipping the intro (so far) but doing your repeat with those few bars up an octave. Thanks for the idea.
My "set" is going to be Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas followed after just a very short pause by I'll Be Home for Christmas, then a non-Christmas song (a very easy tune just to give me a chance to get my fingers back under me) and then a version of What Child Is This with all sorts of interesting chord voicings and a modulation from Em to Gm.
It will be a Christmas Eve Miracle if I'm ready to pull that last one off convincingly by December 24.
Current Life+Music Philosophy: Less Thinking, More Foot Tapping
Thank you so much for replying and telling me where to obtain the sheet music and also for describing your editing. I will purchase a copy of the music tonight.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas! And a happy new year!
This is a short new-agey creation of mine. I had the idea in the car yesterday to make something about 4 Vesta (I'm a space nerd). I came up with the musical ideas last night and recorded this morning.
For Vesta
Old, worn,and battered, the lonely asteroid / protoplanet 4 Vesta has drifted alone in silence for millenia. For a short time she has a companion; the spacecraft DAWN will orbit her for another 6 months, then drift away to its next target, and 4 Vesta will be alone again.
These are some of the images from Dawn, and the short piece I wrote for 4 Vesta:
Elssa ~ great tune played very well. You just can't go wrong with George Gershwin and you'd make him proud with your stylings.
Nicole ~ I am a big Jimmy Hendrix fan, an you played Hey Joe very nicely. I liked it very much. I kept thinking you'd play it on a piano.
ladypayne ~ you always play unique music not often heard. I am sure the repetitions do get difficult, but you played them with enthusiasm. A very pretty tune.
Ben ~ spectacular! I like your composition. Lots of expression there, for sure, and being a bit of an astronomy enthusiast myself, I enjoyed the images, too! Well done!!
Thank you so much for replying and telling me where to obtain the sheet music and also for describing your editing. I will purchase a copy of the music tonight.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas! And a happy new year!
You're welcome and have yourself a merry little Christmas too!
One more important point about Dan Coates' arrangements - he always seems to work into them at strategic points just the right number and kind of dissonant notes and chords (some describe them as "jazzy") to make the arrangements just a little (or tastefully) edgy, which always adds appeal and some surprise.
Trap
Every difficulty slurred over will be a ghost to disturb your repose later on. Frederic Chopin
Current favorite bumper sticker: Wag more, bark less.
Nicole - Your FDR video is really well done! The background piano makes for perfect continuity. Oh yeah, you can play that guitar - nice! I enjoyed watching both videos.
Elssa - Your style fits this song so well - I loved it!
LadyPayne - There is certainly a lot of great anime music. This is no exception, and you played this so well! It did sound like it was fun to play.
Ben - Well, just excellent, Ben! Your composition really made me feel a little sad for the lonely (and somewhat beat up) little planetoid. Amazing!
Here's a tune I've always liked. It was written in 1955 and was most famously recorded (at least in the US) by the Everly Brothers in 1960.
BillM - lovely vocal and accompaniment - always liked this & old enough to remember when this was a big hit for the Bros. - boy, could they ever harmonize!
Trap
Every difficulty slurred over will be a ghost to disturb your repose later on. Frederic Chopin
Current favorite bumper sticker: Wag more, bark less.
BenPiano - You have real skills as a composer - the somewhat wistful and poignant melody fits the story you told of the lonely asteroid perfectly. Love the multi-media production.
This is a short new-agey creation of mine...about 4 Vesta... Old, worn,and battered, the lonely asteroid / protoplanet 4 Vesta has drifted alone in silence for millenia...
BenPiano - well played Ben - warm and listenable tribute to the ancient, lonely, forever drifting asteroid - we don't get many here at PW (asteroids or tributes to them)
Trap
Every difficulty slurred over will be a ghost to disturb your repose later on. Frederic Chopin
Current favorite bumper sticker: Wag more, bark less.
hmm Doesn't seem to be a very active piano bar this month. Guess everyone is busy I should be too. I got papers and final exams all next week but I keep playing my piano instead of studying. It is addicting! Anyway here's a song from me. It's actually a classical piece! Bach's cello suite number 1. I didnt play the whole thing either so it kinda stops short. I haven't quite got it all worked out. Not sure I even got what I played worked out but that's okay:P Btw I believe this is my first classical piece I've put up in the piano bar First time for everything I guess.
I am currently uploading all of my written piano sheets onto my blog to make things easier. I also have written out a few more sheets. All free check it out if you want Any questions, PM me
December just seems to be bad timing for the piano bar. Its squeezed in between people listening to the last of the recital and then the holiday performances thread starts and then everyone gets busy on top of it. I'm not even done listening to the recital myself
I'll figure it out eventually. Until then you may want to keep a safe distance.
Ladypayne - Such a beautiful piece, and you've got a fantastic start! You may have stopped short, but you did so at a very appropriate place. Don't let this one get away from you - I want to hear the whole piece. Very nice work!
Elssa - You have such a wonderful feel for these great romantic pieces. A real treat to listen to! I also heard your audience's approval at the end....
Inlanding: You have such a wonderful & creative jazzy style - that was fun!
Thanks, all for your kind comments! Yes, my kitty added some vocals to the ending of this one - reminding me it's snack time, I think. =^o^=
Originally Posted by Michael Taylor
The camera angle is pretty interesting....where is the camera mounted?
The camera is suspended overhead from a microphone stand with a little tripod attached. I have a few on-line students who appreciate seeing close up what chords and stuff I'm playing, so that's why I use that angle.
Quote
I disagree. Maybe just a little too tutorial. It's needs to be moved over and back so we get to see both Elssa and her hands. How about it Elssa?
Sorry, I don't have any video like that, but here's a little pic of me at the piano, if that will do.
This is it. I'm posting my first ever ABF video. It is one of the pieces I'm working on for my RCM exam. Fantasia in E Minor be Telemann. Still needs lots of polishing but I had this in my to-do list to post a video and here it goes. I'm afraid the red dot and the various steps to get this posted beat me down yesterday but I'm working through it.
Thanks, CMohr, Bill, and Elssa! Making correct changes in time is still a work-in-progress. I appreciate the kind and encouraging words on the improvisation.
Hello Inlanding, JimF, CMohr, and BillM! Your wonderful comments made my day and yesterday I was having kind of a blah day. How nice to come here amongst friends. Thank you all. I am still catching up on commenting on everybody's pieces both here and in the Christmas thread. It is much easier to do so from a regular computer than my phone, so hopefully soon I can catch up and provide comments for you as well! I've listened to every song and they are all great, I just haven't been able to keep up to comments.
Zoe~ most excellent! Lots of music this time of year as winter brings more living room time. I am slowly, but surely, ramping up. I was making a recording of some Christmas music last night and played this, too. It's called, A Long Year http://www.box.com/s/qufzrhtc4cd21du0vzh6
Inlanding: I liked your 'sup song. I also like the title! Very interesting piece. Well played
I am currently uploading all of my written piano sheets onto my blog to make things easier. I also have written out a few more sheets. All free check it out if you want Any questions, PM me
Piano's Out of Tune. I think I am going to go back to recording this stuff on my DP. These conservatory pianos just suck in terms of sound. It does no justice to Schoenberg, let alone Beethoven.
Glen - "A Long Year" is really a nicely put together composition. Don't know if it's the title, but it got me reminiscing. So relaxed and clean. Another excellent one!
Polyphasic - I enjoyed the Beethoven very much. Especially the last minute or so, nice dynamics and touch. Your video for the Schonberg minimalist piece was absolutely perfect! It is very nicely done!
Piano's Out of Tune. I think I am going to go back to recording this stuff on my DP. These conservatory pianos just suck in terms of sound. It does no justice to Schoenberg, let alone Beethoven.
Very nice ppp! Believe it or not, the real piano will still sound better.
Piano's Out of Tune. I think I am going to go back to recording this stuff on my DP. These conservatory pianos just suck in terms of sound. It does no justice to Schoenberg, let alone Beethoven.
Very nice ppp! Believe it or not, the real piano will still sound better.
I agree. The tuning has to go really bad before I would prefer a digital.
I'll figure it out eventually. Until then you may want to keep a safe distance.
ZoeCalgary, congrats on your first piano bar appearance! This will only be my second.
I was debating whether to post this anywhere after I recorded it because it still needs work but I'm getting over the need for perfection with the red dot and it feels good. I recorded this the same night as my recital submission last month. Elton John's "Latitude". Not a real well known song, but has been one of my favorites.
I'll figure it out eventually. Until then you may want to keep a safe distance.
LBE - "Latitude" sounds great! I think you really need a vocalist on this one - maybe BillM could accommodate you. You've got the rhythm goin' on! (My eyes were kind of "stuck" staring at that one key in the upper register...)
achat - Oh, I could listen to Chopin nocturnes all day - yours is no exception. You've done fantastic work on this one! Lovely - very nice flow. I loved it!
Little blue engine, I love that piano, it looks like it's got so much character, as if it belongs in the foyer of a haunted house or the back wall of an old-timy tavern somewhere. It's great, and so was your performance.
LBE - "Latitude" sounds great! I think you really need a vocalist on this one - maybe BillM could accommodate you. You've got the rhythm goin' on! (My eyes were kind of "stuck" staring at that one key in the upper register...)
Thank you, and one of these days I'm going to get around to fixing that key. Someday I may try vocals too but for now I need to concentrate on the keys too much to sing at the same time.
Originally Posted by polyphasicpianist
Little blue engine, I love that piano, it looks like it's got so much character, as if it belongs in the foyer of a haunted house or the back wall of an old-timy tavern somewhere. It's great, and so was your performance.
Thank you. I'm quite in love with my piano too. It has some issues but we seem to have been meant for each other. Once when I was complaining to my husband about how long its taking me to refurbish the action and how it would probably be easier to buy something newer he said "You'll never get rid of that piano, it has too much of your soul in it." and he's probably right. It came with our house but its older than the house so there's no telling where it began its life or how long the water rings and the cigarette burn have been on the cheek blocks.
I'll figure it out eventually. Until then you may want to keep a safe distance.
LBE: Nice playing. I loved the beat and the piano.
I am currently uploading all of my written piano sheets onto my blog to make things easier. I also have written out a few more sheets. All free check it out if you want Any questions, PM me
Thanks Studio Joe, Elssa, CMhor, Melody101 and Little Blue Engine.
Elssa, your music is so nice to listen to during this Xmas / New Year holiday. The software I use for editing the video is Sony Vegas (Platinum Version) for PC (although I run Windows on my iMac to use it). The basics are not difficult to learn, but it is capable of a lot more tricks. It doesn't come with a manual, but I found that there are a lot of tutorials on YouTube if you want to go beyond the basics.
The most important thing to me is to have multiple video and audio tracks. This version of Sony Vegas allows 3 video and 5 audio tracks. Since I got myself the Zoon a year ago (audio recording device), I record the video and the sound separately (the audio quality from the camcorder is terrible!), then sync the video and audio with Sony Vegas.
You can also adjust or add some effects to each of the audio tracks, such as increase or decrease the volume, add reverb etc. You can also add effects to the video, such as distort, blur, sharpen, black and white, old movie grains etc. I suppose it is more than enough for what I need.
Go to YouTube and have a look at some of the videos and see what you can do with it. It's a pretty cool software that is not too pricy. I bought it for less than A$250 I think.
Thanks so much for explaining all that.. again, just awesome! I have something called Studio 12, and I know it does a lot more stuff than what I've been able to figure out, but I'm sure it can do nothing close to what your Sony program does. Still, you've inspired me to experiment with my software some more and see what we can come up with!
BTW, I have a Canon PowerShot A550, and I'm very happy with the audio and video quality.